David Cal, Spain’s most decorated Olympian, retires at 32

March 25, 2015

MADRID (AP) — David Cal, who became Spain’s most decorated Olympic competitor by winning one gold and four silver medals in canoeing, has retired at the age of 32, his country’s Olympic committee said Wednesday.

Cal cited a “lack of motivation and form” for his retirement.

Alejandro Blanco, president of Spain’s Olympic committee, said the country should “protect and give thanks to David Cal, there are few like him.”

Blanco said Cal had initially challenged himself to win again at the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro.

Juan Jose Roman, president of Spain’s canoeing federation, said it was normal for demotivation to affect those who had experienced great success. “It’s sad, but normal,” he said.

After winning gold and silver in Athens in 2004, Cal added three more silvers between 2008 and 2012.